The Southern Downs Steam Train group has come on board to bring passengers down from Warwick to Wallangarra for this year's Peter Allen Festival, running September 5-8. They'll then be bussed to their accommodation for the three-day program before boarding the steam train for the reverse trip.
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The packages offer a mix of travel, accommodation and tickets. Around 200 are expected to attend the festival this way and lots of seats have already been booked.
VIP packages are also being offered at some events, with front-row seating, complimentary drinks and merchandise.
Peter Allen on the Big Screen will bookend the festival, screening at the Tenterfield Cinema on Thursday night and Sunday afternoon. Peter Harris has curated an amazing mix of clips of the man himself, including old ads and even a stint as a nature documentary host.
A top range of acts have been booked, mostly thanks to the industry connections of sound guru Merv McCasker. Helpmann Award-winning duo Michael Griffiths and Amelia Ryan will present their Livvy and Pete act, showcasing the songs of Olivia Newton-John and Peter Allen, over three performances at the Tenterfield Theatre on September 6, 7 and 8.
The Chapel (the refurbished Old Uniting Church on the corner of Logan and High Streets) will be a great venue for Honest Through Her Song on Thursday evening, featuring female vocalists and musicians from around Australia. Showcasing local produce is a common theme running through many events, including at The Chapel where the ticket includes a three-course meal.
The Jackaroos Breakfast at Arrajay Downs on Bryan's Gap Road was such a hit last year it's being offered over two mornings this year, both Saturday and Sunday.
There's more feasting on local produce at the Gala Awards Dinner at Tenterfield Memorial Hall on the Saturday night, with Matt Hadgraft performing as Peter Allen. Last year's Jam Session featuring great Aussie bands supported by local musicians will this year move to the cosier outdoor beer garden at the Commercial Boutique Hotel, also on Saturday evening.
If you like a bit of dress-up, or even just a great meal, guests at the LA Garden Party in Bruxner Park on the Sunday from noon are encouraged to come as their favour 1970s or 80s Hollywood celebrity and enjoy a 70s-inspried long table lunch.
Tickets for all events are available now through the festival's new website at www.thepeterallenfestival.com.au. This year you can even book your preferred seat.
Tickets can also be purchased at the Tenterfield Visitor Information Centre.
In addition there are also lots of opportunities to enjoy the festival with free entry or a gold coin contribution. They include a screening of The Greatest Showman at a popup cinema in Bruxner Park on Friday at 6.30pm. (Bring a picnic blanket.) It follows the official welcoming ceremony at 5pm, with a smoke ceremony and special guest host.
The Tenterfield Food and Wine Fair will be operating on the Friday and Saturday from 10am right through to 9pm in the northern council car park (behind Foodworks), and entry to it is just a gold coin donation to Rural Aid.
On the same days from 10am to 5pm in the southern council car park there be Kids Corner with lots of fun activities for younger festival-goers.
There will be more live music in the spectacular surrounds of Glenrock Gardens on Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Entry is a gold coin at the gate.
Of course the highlight of the festival weekend for many will be when Rouse Street becomes Peter Allen Boulevard on Saturday from 10am to 4pm, with lots of street stalls and free entertainment.
